The House of Representatives passed a bill today that delays implementation of a rule defining what constitutes “waters of the U.S.,” or WOTUS. Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement in advance of today’s vote supporting the measure:

"Western Growers members strongly believe in the value of clean water, but we also believe that in administering the Clean Water Act the EPA and Army Corps must do so with input from state and local officials. HR 5078 intends to ensure that before a new rule for the Clean Water Act can be issued that proper state and local consultation be taken. Western Growers supports this effort and passage of this bill."

The EPA and Army Corp of Engineers issued the rule earlier this year which is a reaction to a decision issued less than ten years ago by the United States Supreme Court. WGs’ analysis of this rule shows certain aspects to be troubling and confusing due in part to the fact that county and some state governments were not consulted fully as it was being formulated. Nassif’s statement reflects WGs’ belief that the proposed rule should not be implemented until such time as more local and state outreach is completed.

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On Friday, May 22nd, the Calif. Department of Water Resources announced that the State Water Project (SWP) now expects to deliver 20 percent of requested supplies in 2020 as a result of above-average precipitation in May.